Page 67 of Auctioned To Be Mine

We ended up on the couch with her curled up against me just like we’d been doing the last few nights. The TV was on. I didn’t want to do anything other than sit with her. I didn’t want to go to work or even leave the couch.

I know I’m distracted. I’m a better human. A happier man. But I’m failing in my professional life. I don’t know if Victoria is the poison or the cure. I’m living two lives and they are not meshing. Something has to give.

It’s a puzzle I won’t solve tonight. I’m going to enjoy the night and the woman cuddled up next to me. The rest will wait until tomorrow.

24

VICTORIA

The yacht club parking lot was full of cars that belonged in luxury car shows. I looked for a spot far from the six-figure cars. I didn’t want to risk dinging one of those damn things. But the place was busy. I inched my way into a spot between a white Bentley and a silver Mercedes. I searched the parking lot for Callum’s car but didn’t see it.

I checked my reflection in the rearview mirror one last time and immediately wished I hadn’t. The drive had done nothing for my hair. Several curls were going in the wrong direction. I tucked a few behind my ears, decided that was the best I was going to get, and climbed out of the car.

The yacht club was exactly the kind of place I’d walked away from. I smoothed my blazer and checked my phone. Once again, I scanned the parking lot looking for my boyfriend. And yes, I was calling him my boyfriend. Only in my head. I was too old to be saying it out loud, but I’d claimed him.

And then I felt my phone vibrate. I pulled it out, expecting him to tell me he was waving at me, but that wasn’t the message I got.

Running about 20 behind. Go in without me. They don’t bite.

Easy for him to say.

The hostess at the entrance was young and polished and wearing a white uniform that looked she’d pulled it straight from the assembly line. No wrinkles. No stains. Not even a hint of yellowing. She smiled at me but I could tell she was wondering if I was in the wrong place. I felt like I was, but unfortunately, I was right where I was supposed to be.

“I’m meeting the Blackwell party,” I said.

“Of course. Right this way.”

I followed her through the interior. It was all light wood and bronze fixtures with soft lighting that made everyone look like we were in a magazine spread. The club life. I’d grown up coming to places like this. Women in linen and silk drinking mimosas. Men looking very casual in polo shirts and khakis.

I was wearing a good blazer. It was my best blazer but anyone would be able to tell it was cheap and worn. I fussed with the hem of it as I walked. I told myself to stop. My hands dropped to my sides and I put my shoulders back.

The hostess led me through a set of glass doors and out onto the patio. The place where only the top clientele would dare to grace. There was a hierarchy in these places. And the Blackwells would definitely be at the top.

The view was extraordinary. The marina stretched out below. Boats rocked gently on bright water. The sky was the particular shade of blue that only appeared on perfect California days. A warm breeze moved across the patio. It was like even the ocean knew better than to ruin the aesthetic with the salty, fishy smell that was part of the usual ocean-view experience.

“Victoria!”

Mimi was already on her feet, one hand raised in a small wave. She was seated at a table near the railing, positioned to take full advantage of the view. She was the kind of woman who made a simple silk blouse look like she was ready to pose for a magazine spread.

The woman beside her was even more glamorous. I hadn’t met Tiana before but I’d seen enough photographs to recognize her. She was beautiful and I could see where Callum got his looks from. Between his father’s masculine features and Tiana’s stunning beauty, he’d hit the gene pool lottery. She was dressed casually in white trousers and a blue top that was clearly designer, but despite the woman’s glossy polish, she smiled warmly at me.

“It’s so good to see you,” Mimi said, reaching for my hand when I got close enough. I was starting to understand it was just how she was. A sweet, welcoming woman. “This is Tiana, Callum’s mother.”

“Victoria.” Tiana extended her hand and shook it firmly. “I’ve heard so much about you. Sit down, please. Thanks for coming out.”

I sat and tried to look relaxed, keeping my fidgeting hand in my lap under the table. Be a normal human being.

“Callum is running late,” I offered.

“He’s always running late these days,” Tiana said with a smile. “He’s taken on so much these days. But he’ll get here when he gets here. We don’t need him.”

A server appeared and filled my water glass. I picked it up immediately and took a grateful sip.

“Tell me about the work you’ve been doing,” Mimi said. “Callum mentioned a few things, but I’d rather hear it from you.”

So I told her. About the family Betty had talked about at the event that started everything for me. I told her about what the organization actually did on a daily basis, the calls I fielded, the families I worked with, and how much it helped. Even a hundred bucks could make a difference.

They both gave me their full attention.